Factors associated with lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Lymph node metastasis is considered one of the most significant prognostic markers in endometrial cancer, particularly in the initial stages. As the incidence rate of endometrial cancer increases, appropriate treatment is needed to increase the survival rate, including lymphadenectomy. This study aims to compare the characteristics of endometrial cancer with or without lymph node metastasis. Methods: A retrospective analytical study of 155 women with a history of endometrial cancer following complete surgical staging treatment from January 2017 to December 2021 at Dr. Kariadi General Hospital Semarang. All data were obtained using medical records. Results: All 155 patients were divided into two groups, with and without lymph node metastasis. Of these, 19 patients have lymph node metastasis (12.25%). The body mass index is the only subject characteristic that is statistically significant between the two groups (p=0.024). In our multivariable risk analysis, three clinical variables were identified that might predict the probability of lymph node metastasis, including ovarian metastasis (OR=2.98, p<0.01) and cervical metastasis (OR=8.27, p=0.002), and tumor differentiation grading (OR=6,77, p<0,01). Conclusion: The study results indicated ovarian metastasis, cervical metastasis, and tumor differentiation grading were independent prognostic factors for lymph node metastasis.